Area Sport Fishing Reports
Kodiak

Archived Sport Fishing Report

April 26, 2018

Emergency Orders and Regulation Reminders

• Anglers are reminded to review Emergency Orders and News Releases for the Kodiak Area before heading on their next fishing trip.
  • Per emergency order No. 2-KS-4-06-18, effective June 1, 2018, in the Ayakulik River drainage, king salmon fishing is restricted to catch and release. All king salmon caught must be released without being removed from the water. In addition, the use of bait is prohibited and only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lures may be used.
  • Per emergency order No. 2-KS-4-07-18, effective June 1, 2018, in the Karluk River drainage, including Karluk Lagoon, fishing for king salmon is closed. In addition, the use of bait is prohibited for all fishing downstream of Karluk Lake.
  • Per emergency order No. 2-KS-4-08-18, effective June 1, 2018, Monashka Creek and Bay are closed to king salmon fishing. In addition, the use of bait is prohibited in Monashka Creek.
• Anglers are reminded there are new rockfish regulations for the Kodiak Area.
  • The bag and possession limits for rockfish in Chiniak and Marmot Bays has been reduced to 3 per day, 6 in possession, only 2 per day, 4 in possession may be non-pelagic, and only 1 per day, 2 in possession may be a Yelloweye. Please review the 2018 Southwest Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for a detailed map of the affected area.

Fresh Waters

Salmon

• In anticipation of relatively poor returns in 2018, effective June 1, 2018, fishing for king salmon in the Karluk River drainage (including Karluk Lagoon) is closed. In addition, the use of bait is prohibited and only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure may be used downstream of Karluk Lake.
• Poor returns are also expected this year for the Ayakulik River king salmon run. Consequently, effective June 1, 2018, fishing for king salmon is restricted to catch and release only. The use of bait is prohibited during this time and only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure may be used.
• In recent years, returns of stocked king salmon have been poor to Monashka Creek, though they have been excellent at the American and Olds rivers. Poor returns are expected again this year and subsequently Monashka Creek and Bay are closed to king salmon fishing to aid in collection of brood stock for enhancement of the road system king salmon runs. In addition, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used in Monashka Creek.
• The freshwaters of Pillar Creek remain open to fishing for king salmon; however, the immediately adjacent saltwaters are closed.

Trout and Dolly Varden

• Dolly Varden are just beginning to wake up from their winter’s rest. Recent reports indicate there is fishing success in Buskin Lake and to a smaller degree in the Buskin River. Look for areas where salmon fry congregate, as Dolly Varden often feed on salmon fry as they make their way to the ocean. Dolly Varden will be more active in the coming weeks and fishing in the Buskin River should pick up in May.
• Remember: the use of bait is prohibited in all waters of the Kodiak Road Zone except those that are currently stocked.

Lake Fishing

• This is an excellent time to fish Kodiak stocked lakes as rainbow trout are becoming more active as waters warm up and they begin to feed more actively. Visit lower elevation lakes first as fish will be more active in warmer waters. Although ADF&G currently only stocks sterile juvenile rainbow trout, some lakes with a stocking history dating to the 1950s may also contain spawning populations of adult fish. Be sure to review the 2018 Southwest Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for a current list of stocked lakes, as the harvest of rainbow trout is only allowed in currently stocked lakes. Rainbow trout typically spawn during the month of May, and anglers wanting to avoid catching these fish should concentrate their efforts away from flowing waters in or out of the lakes during that time.

Salt Waters

Halibut

• Few reports of halibut catches have come in so far; however, anglers should try fishing deeper waters in the 200-300 feet range or more for halibut this time of year.

Salmon

• Few recent reports of king salmon in the saltwaters have come in lately; although, this is likely due to weather. King salmon fishing can be excellent this time of year as king salmon move in closer to shore to feed on spawning herring.
• Popular spots in April and May are Kalsin Bay, Sharatin and Kizhuyak bays, and in between Woody and Long islands.

Other Salt Water Fishing

• Black rockfish can be caught just outside of the boat harbor near kelp beds along rock pinnacles and other natural or man-made structures. Rockfish are also frequently caught from shore at locations such as the outer reaches of White Sand beach and the breakwater barrier shielding St. Paul Harbor. Remember to review the 2018 Southwest Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you intend to fish. Bag limits for rockfish have been reduced to 3 per day, 6 in possession for pelagic rockfish in Chiniak and Marmot bays.
• Anglers are reminded that the lingcod season does not open until July 1, 2018.